Hearing His Voice

Thinking questions:

Are you needing to get closer to Him so you can be more sure about that?

What do you do on a daily basis to help you walk closely with Him?

I don’t know about you guys, but I need to think about being in line with God and His will today and this week. I am really seeking the Lord for wisdom and for His will in a particular area in my life.

Our Passage for Today

Isaiah 58:7 (NIV)

Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Being Ready to Help Others

Fasting is an act of sacrifice of our own comfort in order to be dedicated to God’s will above all. It will benefit those around us if we are sacrificially praying and following after God because we will be available and ready to help others in need. We can truly be used for His glory and benefit others by following wholly after God and praying fervently while aligning our hearts with His will.

Let’s go to the Verse:

“Is it not to share your food with the hungry… “

If we are completely trusting and knowing God, because we are sacrificing our own comfort and spending time praying, then, we will trust Him to meet our needs. If we are supposed to give our food to someone else, then, He will surely provide for us.

Outlandish Things

“…and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter… “

Sometimes God calls us to do outlandish things. If we are seeking Him and praying sacrificially, we will hear Him, recognize His voice and hopefully we will obey Him. Not many of us today would allow a stranger or wanderer into our homes – it is just too dangerous but if God leads us to do it we can do it trusting that He will take care of things. The key is seeking and knowing Him so that you know His voice. I am reminded of Hebrews 13:2 where the Bible speaks of entertaining angels without knowing it.

Knowing His Voice

This concept itself seems outlandish but we need to be walking closely with God – closely enough to be confident when we hear His voice and obey Him when He tells us to do something. I am reminded of a story Beth Moore shared in one of her video series where while waiting for a flight in an airport, she felt God leading her to brush an elderly man’s long, matted, and tangled hair. He was a complete stranger and she was very uncomfortable asking him if she could. However, the blessing was huge for her and the gentleman – because she was obedient in this outlandish task.

Yes, sometimes God leads us to do outlandish things because He wants to pour out His blessing on others through us and He wants to pour blessing out on us as well.

I will caution in one way though – always be sure that what you feel led to do lines up with God’s Word. If you are not sure ask your pastor. If it doesn’t line up with His Word, it is not His voice!

Clothing Those in Need

“…when you see the naked to clothe them… “

Years ago, I worked at a crisis pregnancy center. I was so blessed by the people who were willing to clothe the people who could not clothe themselves. We got huge amounts of baby and maternity clothes – many with the tags still on them. People would go out and buy brand new clothes and bring them in for people they did not even know. It was such a huge blessing!

Your Own Flesh and Blood

“…and not turn away from your own flesh and blood?”

How many Christian people have someone in their family who is destitute? Probably 8 out of 10. How sad it is to see godly people walk away from family members in need. There is, however, a difference between meeting a need and perpetuating a problem. We all know you cannot give a drug addict $100 to go pay their power bill, right? We must pray for wisdom in how to help in those kinds of situations – family or strangers.

What is God doing in your life?

I believe that through these last two days of study, that God has shown me that He wants me to fast, pray and seek Him deeper on a weekly basis. What is God doing in your heart through this devotional? Just think about it and be obedient to His voice. I would love to hear from you if you would like to leave a comment or email me. I am praying for you all today.

Join me tomorrow as we begin studying verse 8!

Let’s Pray Together:

Dear Lord, thank You so much for loving and drawing us to You. Help us to seek You with a new fervor and grow in our relationship with You. Please help us to know You and know Your voice when You speak to our hearts. Help us glorify You in all we do. Make us completely Yours and help us to love You more. Thank You so much, Lord! In Jesus wonderful name, I pray. Amen.

About Dell

Hi! Welcome to Tapestry! I am Dell Scruggs and I am a Christian. I have a deep passion for God and His Word. I also have a deep passion to grow and see others grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Quilting and watercolor are my favorite things to do in my spare time. I have an incredible husband, two amazing sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law and an absolutely adorable granddaughter!